Summit Steel's Jon Bray was among the first 3 candidates to attain his Level 3 National Rigging Certificate (Rigging Supervisor), currently the highest level of PLASA's newly launched National Rigging Certificate (NRC) scheme.

Bray was in the first batch of individuals approached to participate in the NRC Level 3 (Rigging Supervisor) pilot scheme, and is generally very keen to help promote and highlight the endorsement of good rigging and working practices. He also hopes to encourage freelancers to follow suit and enrol for the scheme.

Bray first underwent a rigorous 2-day assessment at the Total Training Centre in Birmingham, run by Chris Higgs. This is one of 3 nationwide approved NRC Assessment Centres which will be available from October.

The assessment comprised practical, written and oral sections, comprehensively covering all areas of rigging and supervising skills. During the practical sessions, Bray had to demonstrate his knowledge of different hanging methods and options - some of these tasks were undertaken as group exercises, and he also had to successfully complete an on-the-spot Q&A session.

Candidates additionally have to provide evidence of their experience in the field, backed up by plans, method statements, risk assessments and rescue plans for past projects. This is designed to ensure that riggers are aware of the legal framework in which they are operating in the UK as well as having the required depth of experience.

At a separate time and place, the 2 day training centre session was followed up by a half day on-site assessment by one of the scheme's assessors of Bray actually supervising riggers in a working environment.

This took place during Elton John's "Red Piano" gig at London's O2 Arena ... after which it was confirmed that Bray had achieved the necessary standard.

The certificates were presented during the 2007 PLASA Lighting & Sound show at Earls Court.

Bray comments, "I was very pleased to be approached as a candidate for the pilot scheme. I have learnt a great deal from it and would recommend it highly to anyone working in event rigging."